Paco de Lucía (Paco de Lucía Sextet)

Name: Francisco Sánchez Gómez
Born: 21st December, 1947 (Algeciras, Cádiz, Spain)

Profile: He is a Spanish composer and guitarist. Recognized as a virtuoso flamenco guitarist all over the world, he is a leading proponent of the Modern Flamenco style, and is one of the very few flamenco guitarists who has also successfully crossed over into other genres of music. Paco enjoys, and has been a successful musician in, many styles such as classical, jazz and world music. He is the winner of the 2004 Prince of Asturias Awards in Arts and in 2010 he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Berklee College of Music in Boston.

History: Born in a musical family, his father was flamenco guitarist Antonio Sánchez, brother of flamenco singer Pepe de Lucía and flamenco guitarist Ramón de Algeciras. At age 11, Paco made his first public appearance on Radio Algeciras, and a year later was awarded a special prize in the Jerez flamenco competition.

In 1961, he toured with the flamenco troupe of dancer José Greco, Three years later, he met Madrid guitarist Ricardo Modrego with whom he recorded 3 albums: 'Dos guitarras flamencas', 'Dos guitarras flamencas en stereo', and 'Doce canciones de Federico García Lorca para guitarra'. Between 1968 and 1977, he enjoyed a fruitful collaboration with fellow New Flamenco singer Camarón de la Isla. The two recorded 10 albums together. His 1976 album, 'Almoraima' was a success and featured notable tracks such as 'Almoraima' and 'Río Ancho', the latter track of which has been covered by other guitarists such as Al Di Meola.

In 1979, Paco, John McLaughlin, and Larry Coryell formed "The Guitar Trio" and together made a brief tour of Europe and released a video recorded at London's Royal Albert Hall entitled Meeting of Spirits. Coryell was later replaced by Al Di Meola, and since 1981, the trio has recorded 3 albums. Paco's own band, the Paco de Lucía Sextet (which includes his brothers Ramón and Pepe) released the first of its three albums that same year. He has released several albums encompassing both traditional and modern flamenco styles.

In 1995, he recorded with Bryan Adams the hit song and video 'Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman' on the soundtrack for the movie Don Juan DeMarco. Through his wide discography he has advanced the technical and musical boundaries of his instrument. The University of Cadiz recognized Paco's musical and cultural contributions by conferring on him the title of Doctor Honoris Causa in 2007.

Influences: Antonio Sánchez (father)

Axology: Almeria classical guitars

Signature song(s): Almoraima - Paco de Lucía (Almoraima, 1976)

Link(s):

http://www.pacodelucia.com/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cadbYIzhqQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TmxfHbd-M0